//------------------------------// // Chapter 6 // Story: Idyllic // by lollipopchica //------------------------------// "C'mon, Jedzia!" Was Kirai's breathless call as she pushed off into a sprint. How she missed her wings. The two had been hiking the wet mountains of their homeland for a little under an hour. Finally, they found themselves a few meters away from one of the hive's many entrances. "Kirai," Jedzia huffed, "I'm coming... I don't remember this being so hard." Kirai stopped and reached down to give her struggling companion a hoof. As the two continued to pull themselves up and push up steep inclines, they were filled with excitement as they had missed their home. When they finally stumbled in the entrance, they paused to catch their breaths before pushing themselves forward down the darkened tunnel. Gemstones glowed in the darkness providing dim lighting. They could hear what sounded like movement and life, but neither could be sure. When the tunnel finally brought them to the base level of their Emerald Sapped City, both mares were in shock at what they saw. Their city stood, beautiful as ever, but ponies were all over the place. "T-the change," Kirai stuttered with wide eyes as pegasi flew about. "It must've affected everypony." Jedzia stepped forward blinking, as she realized something major must have happened for their entire race to be as they were now. A unicorn that was milling about dragging a cart of food happened to notice the two dumb-struck ponies. "General... Kirai?" The two snapped their attention to the tobiano on amber patterned mare. "Mileena?" Kirai squinted her eyes as she recognized the scar around the mare's mouth. The other's golden eyes lit up as she abandoned the cart in favor of greeting her brethren. "We feared the worst, after the change!" She shared after fiercely hugging the two. "What happened?" "We're not sure," Jedzia admitted still reeling over the fact that the changelings here were changed as well. "After you all had transported half the hive back to Equestria, we weren't sure what was happening. And then the next day -this-" She gestured wildly to herself and the other ponies working and transporting food. "How is everypony?" Kirai asked. "Most are still sick... but since we actually need physical sustenance, its proved a challenge. There aren't a great deal of pegasi and the mountains are hell to scale." Kirai and Jedzia shared a look as they knew all too well. "How're you providing for everypony? "We've been trying to plant things, but this place isn't ideal for cropping. We're figuring it out as we go." "Who's in charge?" Jedzia asked. "Odonata was... but since she hasn't returned, we assumed the worst." Both mares nodded sadly as they had figured as much as well. Odonata had been resourceful and loyal to a fault. If they hadn't found her yet, then she probably was gone. "And since she's been away?" "Kahn has..." Jedzia chanced a look at Kirai who reddened at the mention of stallion's name. "But I have to warn you- he's very bitter about the change." Mileena gave the Kirai a knowing look before offering to take them to the stallion. "What of the Queen?" The two shook their head. "We don't know yet..." *-*-*-* When Chrysalis first came to, the only thing she could feel was an empty hole in her chest. The frigid sensation took her breath away and made her curl into a ball as she turned over on her side. Elytra stared down on her form absently aware of the stallion that stirred beside her. He'd want to ask her questions she knew, but the changeling monarch was too fragile to endure the abuse the emotional stallion would surely put her through. So she nodded to the Sun Goddess who reciprocated her sentiment and removed the stallion from the holding area. "Chrysalis..." She murmured to the discombobulated mare. "Chrysalis..." The changeling groaned as her head ached mercilessly. Her mind was trying to make the jump from the place she'd just come from, the life she had just been pulled from. Because she'd been there for as long as she had it was harder for her to reconnect to her time of belonging. "Just breathe...." Elytra encouraged kindly. "All will be well in due time." "This is real?" "Yes..." "My husband and daughter..." "They are safe... but you belong here. They weren't really yours, do you understand?" "No." "Though that reality was not yours, it was still very real for you...." "Shining Armor... he doesn't..." She didn't want to think about it. "He is still the stallion from your youth, and even the one you gave your heart to just a few short months ago. Nothing has changed that. Nothing can." "You're wrong... everything has changed…" "Elytra!" The alicorn looked over her shoulder to see Shining Armor and an apologetic Celestia. "I don't think now is a good time." "It's... It's okay... He has questions I assume." Chrysalis shook her head. Her Shining Armor was not the same as this angry stallion intent on interrogating her. This she could handle even in her befuddled state. "Yes, but you don't have to do this now." "It's fine... Let him. He's upset." "Elytra... there are things I wish to discuss with you as well." Celestia spoke up. "Very well. Captain, Chrysalis." The Alicorn associated with love and unity rose to follow the Equestrian Princess, leaving Chrysalis and Shining Armor alone. "I want you to reverse it..." The stallion demanded with a determined glare. "Reverse what?" Chrysalis was genuinely confused. "Don't play with me, changeling." She could taste his disdain. "Don’t flatter yourself pony." If there was one thing Chrysalis didn't tolerate, it was disrespect to her species. She'd given so much for what she was, so no one was allowed to make light of her sacrifices. He scowled. "I don't want you- I want Cadance. These tricks aren't going to make me love you more!" “That’s what this is about?” She managed weakly. Eyes that always shone bright against her dark features were dull. “You think I made you love me?” Her chuckle was scathing as something dark twisted in her withering heart. “No… dearest,” her tone was mocking. “You did that all on your own. I didn’t force anything on you.” “I keep having these dreams about the two of us. I want you to make them stop!” “And who says I can make them stop?” “Celestia said-“ “Because Celestia is such an expert on all things changeling.” He flushed at the insult. “Tell me about them…” “What?” He looked so uncomfortable. He’d seen her so much in his head he didn’t need to see her to know what her lithe frame was capable of. He wished he could picture his wife without his thoughts wandering to the dark oddity buried beneath linen sheets. Haltingly, he admitted the thoughts he kept locked away. “Those ‘dreams’ as you call them… they’re memories.” “That doesn’t make any sense…” “There’s a reason you never recovered your memory.” “What’re you talking about?” “The year you lost… It was because of me. Od-“ She took a calming breath as a sharp pain pierced her chest. “Your memories of me were wiped away a long time ago… but we used to know each other… We… we were friends.” Shining Armor shook his head as a look of disbelief stained his visage. “It was passed off as a side effect of the train accident you were in. That’s why you couldn’t remember that year you lost.” Chrysalis was thoughtful. “When Elytra… when she did what she did, she must’ve canceled out the changeling magic.” “You’re lying.” “Lies are easy… and as a changeling, you don’t give me enough credit. Anypony can lie, but only the best of rogues can twist the truth.” “You truly are the worst of the worse. You’re a monster.” Grey eyes were hard and the Changeling Queen realized she had never seen him so angry. It seemed she was really good at pissing him off. The tips of his ears were red as were his cheeks. He was livid and embarrassed. His words cut and burn, but Chrysalis knew how to cut back and now it seemed it was all she was capable of. Her incandescent eyes were raw with hurt. “It must burn you up to know the reason you can’t be with your precious wife is because you still think of me.” “Shut up…” “You think so little of me, when really it’s yourself you should be disgusted with. You were ready to trade everything for a two-faced, conniving bitch! So who’s really pathetic? The Changeling Queen you fell in love with or the Captain of the Guard who fell so easily?” With a growl, he raised a hoof and struck bringing it down a hair away from her face. Neither flinched as they regarded the other. His handsome face was twisted in a sneer as his eyes clouded over. Shining Armor’s chest heaved as he tried to reign in his anger. The two were so close to each other and yet the emotional distance between them was a battlefield. Chrysalis stared at him with an unnerving calmness brought on by her weakness. Her magic was not that of a changeling queen and her body was feeling the drawback. She wondered if she could feel pain in this empty state she found herself in. She hoped he’d help her test it out. But alas he was much too noble to sully his hooves like that and the thought made her angry. “Ask your sister…” She hissed spitefully. “Twilight was there too.” And with that she turned away from him refusing to speak anymore. *-*-*-*-* When the Princess of Love awoke the next morning, her private guard was already outside of her room waiting. She took her time readying for the day as her mind still buzzed with yesterday’s news. She didn’t see Shining Armor for the rest of the night, nor was he there when she got out of bed. It was depressing really. And while she tried to paint a pretty smile on her face, today she simply couldn’t. The stallion that held her heart didn’t know what to do with it, while the strongest mare that she knew was more concerned about a monster than her own family. She managed a wobbly smile for Faust’s sake as his dark eyes were sharp as ever as he took in her appearance. “Your Aunts would like a word, Princess.” She nodded as she let him lead her to her Aunt’s throne room. "Cadance." The mare stood in front of Equestria’s leading ladies with a disinterested expression on her face. "Princess Celestia, Princess Luna." The tone in which she spoke their names was borderline disrespectful with its cold tones. "Nothing less flattering than a Princess who behaves like the aft end of an ass." "Luna!" Celestia could understand her niece's attitude. The darker Alicorn ignored the reprimand. "Sometimes you have to fake it, Cadance. I'm sorry, but it’s true." Cadance would be fine. Luna swore, she wouldn't let her be anything else but. She nodded and spoke with much more humility. "Yes Princesses, what can I do for you today?" Luna upset was not a sight she wished to see. "Our citizens need an act of assurance," Celestia smiled. "Could you do that today and make an announcement to the public?" "What about?" "Changelings." Luna said studying the mare as she said the word. "Changelings..." Celestia nodded. Her talk with the other alicorn had proved to be very enlightening, but she still was concerned. The younger mare took a deep breath and smiled. "Of course." Her guard was called back into the room with instructions to take her into the city. It seemed her Aunts had anticipated her response as the city was already abuzz with excitement. Violet eyes were curious as they took in their surroundings. Reporters and denizens were already there awaiting their guest of honor. Royal Guardsmen lined the area looking to protect their princess from any threat that wanted to present itself. The ponies about sounded in a low chatter until they caught a glimpse of the Alicorn of Love. Once they did, their excited chatter rose considerably. Faust accompanied her onto the stage as she opened the floor for questions. At first they asked questions about her marriage. "What's it like to be married to such a stallion with such a prestigious title?" "Will you be having colts soon?" "Any chance you might re-tie the knot?" Cadance had smiled at those answering in the most dignified manner. It wasn't until they asked about the invasion that her mood waned. "What was it like being locked away from your family?" "Have you and your husband recovered?" "How did you find it in yourself to stand up to the changeling queen?" Her eyes darkened as she thought back to the night her 'family' decided to protect the mare of her nightmare rather than get rid of her. An act of assurance... She would do more than that. Cadance would make sure that the denizens of Canterlot made her aunt secure their safety. She wasn't bluffing the night she'd drunkenly promised her husband. If they wanted to play games, Cadance would show them she could play too. Faust watched as the Princess' expression changed. He'd always been an insightful stallion, and he could tell that the mare was about to do something questionable. And Cadance's body language reeked of anger. "Princess, how do you think changeling prisoners should be dealt with if we ever capture one given the amount of time passed?" "Cadance..." Faust hissed as he stepped up beside her and whispered in her ear. "Really think about what you're going to say before you answer this..." "I'm going to 'reassure' them," she muttered back as she gave him a bright smile with glittering eyes. Turning her attention back to the wide-eyed ponies in front her, she spoke. "I know my Aunt acts with only the best intentions, as does my husband. I can assure you that neither would ever hide anything that could hurt the citizens of Equestria. With that being said I'm confident that my husband will treat all criminals to the fullest extent of the law. No matter what." "Even death?" Came one incredulous voice. "If the crime warrants the punishment, then I would expect nothing less- neither should you. Equestria is a peace-loving country. Any creature that threatens that peace, should be dealt with in a manner befitting their own actions." "But Princess-" "We did not seek out the changeling empire with intentions of overthrowing their government and harming their people. We are the ones that have suffered and we were sought out for violence's sake. It is our duty to you, our citizens to make sure nothing like that ever happens again. If severe punishment will insure that, my Aunt would not hesitate." The crowd broke out in murmurs as they all heeded the mare’s passionate words. Cadance was right, they thought. Those creatures were a nuisance and above all, a threat. "Cadance," Faust growled keeping a stony expression on his face. "Yes," she murmured as she continued to smile and wave at her Aunt's citizens. "Don't think I don't see what you're doing." If the love Princess was surprised, she certainly didn't act it. "Oh," Was her flippant response. "And what is it that you think I'm doing?" She posed for a picture. Nowadays it felt like no one took her feelings into considerations. If she couldn't rely on her family, then she would have to rely on herself. He wanted to shake her silly, but instead blocked what could have been a pretty close-up. "You play with fire, you're going to get burned. This won't endear you to him." Faust towered over her as he said the words. Cadance couldn't help but widen her eyes as she lost herself in his. He was looking down on her in more ways than one and it made her feel ashamed of her actions. There was one exception to her perceived abandonment. Faust. It seemed he cared deeply for her. No pony looked after her the way he did. He genuinely wanted to help her deal with the world around her as well as herself when it called for it. "Are you in-love with me, Faust?" She heard herself asking with a soft tilt of the head. The two had forgotten the crowd as they had a conversation all their own. The pegasus blinked before chuckling in an offhanded way. "Your Aunt will be expecting you soon. We should go." He broke eye contact leading the way like the good little sentry he knew they expected him to be. And like a good little princess Cadenza Mi Amore followed. *-*-*-*-* Princess Luna had no idea about what to expect when her sister told her she'd be questioning the fallen changeling queen. But she knew she wouldn't let her sister face the pegacorn alone. So when the two had approached the changeling's darkened holding area she was slightly unnerved by the reptilian like eyes that peered back from the darkest corner of the room. Without wasting time, she reached out to the creature to see if she were still a threat to her homeland. "What have you to say for yourself?" Princess Luna demanded of the Queen. Fierce and beautiful, most all ponies were intimidated by her skill and strength. "Nothing that you would understand." Except Chrysalis. An enigma of darkness herself. Though fragile and wounded she was still every bit of royalty. Honestly, the pegacorn had no fear left to spare. So when the two locked eyes, it inspired nothing in the incapacitated mare who preferred the shadows in this state. "Try me." "It makes no difference now." She turned away as she briefly recalled that night in the clearing as she cradled the husk of her mentor. "You will speak, Changeling Queen, or I will make you!" Luna's voice boomed down on her and she almost cringed as she turned her glowing eyes onto the alicorn deciding to reveal herself. "I welcome the challenge." She spoke as she walked closer to the magical barrier that separated her from the outside world. Cobalt colored eyes bore into Chrysalis' as they took on a sparkling hue that reminded the fallen queen of the cosmos. Halting in her steps, she didn't have the strength to fight off whatever web the other was weaving. She felt so light as her fears and worries melted, lulling her in a dream-like reverie. She remembered her kind's sickness and betrayal, Discord's promises, and her children's decimation within a flash of light. Chrysalis never meant for things to end as they did, to hurt who she had or to lose what she lost. But it had happened that way, and she had to live with what she had done. Luna blinked as she broke the connection. Dreams were wishes of a purer kind of emotion. This one had no dreams anymore- just a deep sense of desolation. "I see..." She shook her head before turning to her sister. "She is of no threat to us, Tia. There is no will in this one." The changeling blinked as Luna released her from her control. "Why did you not come to us a nation? We could've-" "We feed off your emotions," was Chrysalis' disbelieving laugh. "Your kind considers us parasites with the most unholy of intentions. Ponies have killed changelings on sight simply for their appearance. There is no respect for what we are because you don't understand what we are. Had we walked to your city gates, you expect me to believe you would've welcomed us with open arms?" "Now we'll never know." Luna spoke with hard eyes. "You took that choice from us when you imprisoned Cadance and seduced her husband." Chrysalis laughed then, it was bitter and mocking and it reminded the Alicorn of the Night of her own trespasses. "Let's go with that Princess Luna." "You brought this upon yourself, Changeling. I for one, feel no sympathy for you." And with that Luna turned her back and left the jaded creature with her sister as she strode out with her head held high. Envy and strife had no power over her anymore. Chrysalis had no power to hurt anyone now so she felt fine leaving her sister alone with her. "And live with it I do..." Chrysalis said to no one in particular. "You should've let me die." She spoke to Celestia now, whose gaze was neutral throughout the whole inquiry. "Why can't we find any of your people?" "Because they're not here, Princess." The changeling queen flashed a bitter smile. "Liar." "Never," Chrysalis mocked. She wished she was lying. It would mean that her family was safe. "You're pregnant." She allowed to gauge the other's reaction. Chrysalis blinked as her words sunk in. "That's impossible. You're lying." Celestia raised a brow. "I don't lie. As the Alicorn of Sol, you don't think I'd be able to sense life?" "I can't carry children." What was the Sol alicorn playing at? "Then how did you..." Now it was Celestia's turn to wonder. "I thought you were an expert..." At the alicorn's pointed look, the changeling queen sighed. "Changelings have their own children, I just give them life." She could tell what the alicorn wanted to ask. "I wasn't conceived the way children are normally. My existence is completely magic dependent. I am an extension of my mother and her magic." "Consider it a gift from Discord." "Some gift..." She seethed as she thought of the chaotic deity. "You'll take it from me as soon as it draws breath." The alicorn's lack of response was a response in itself. "If what you say is true..." She thought long and hard before she continued. This foal would be all she had left of anything. "I'll die before I let you take her." And though Celestia didn't say it, Chrysalis knew there was a strong possibility that she just might.